On April 1, 2026, China implemented a landmark national standard: Classification and Determination of TCM Constitution. Although designated as a recommended rather than mandatory standard, it represents a major step in modernizing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by converting traditional constitution theory into a clear, measurable and clinically practical framework. By clarifying the relationship between constitution, disease, and pattern differentiation, the standard strengthens professional credibility, supports research, and enhances patient-centered treatment.
Yong Ping Jiang, DOM, PhD
Dr. Yong Ping Jiang is an associate professor and chair of the department of Oriental medicine at the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MCAOM) at Northwestern Health Sciences University. He has been an instructor and member of the clinical faculty there since 1996. He received his DOM degree from Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1983 and a PhD in herbal classics from the same college in 1995. He is a licensed acupuncturist and is board certified in acupuncture and Oriental medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Dr. Jiang is a member of the Shandong Society for Pulmonary Diseases and the Shandong Yantai Society for Traditional Chinese Medicine, both in China. He is fluent in Chinese and English, and has published several articles in English and two books in Chinese.